Every day in Florida, more than 11,000 drivers illegally pass stopped school buses with their red lights flashing, putting kids’ lives at risk. With Florida ranking second in the nation for fatal school bus accidents, the state took action in July 2023 by passing a law allowing school districts to install stop-arm cameras to catch violators.
Leading the way are Hillsborough County Public Schools in Tampa and Miami-Dade County Public Schools — two of Florida’s largest districts. Both are working with BusPatrol, a company offering a full-service solution: camera installation, maintenance, violator support, and public education campaigns. The goal? Making roads safer for kids and holding drivers accountable.
We spoke with Donny Wolfe, Vice President of Government Relations at BusPatrol, to learn more. A Florida native and former chief of staff to Miami City Mayor Francis Suarez, Donny has spent his career in public service, from healthcare to local government. Now, he’s focused on improving school bus safety across his home state. In our conversation, Donny shares why this mission is personal and what it will take to change driver behavior in Florida for good.
To kick things off, what are some of the main risks that students face traveling to and from school in Florida?
Donny Wolfe: Unfortunately, there are many. These include walking along or across busy roads and high traffic volume areas, impatient and aggressive driving, distracted driving, and a population of drivers who are simply unfamiliar with school bus laws.
As a parent, are you concerned about your child taking the school bus?
Donny Wolfe: Absolutely. The thought that over 11,000 illegal passes happen every single day in our state is horrifying. That’s why I’m not only invested in my professional role with BusPatrol, but I take this issue personally. No child should have to face that level of risk just to get to school.
Were you surprised to see how often drivers blow past stopped school buses in Florida? What makes traffic safety especially challenging in the state?
Donny Wolfe: As someone who has spent much of my career working in and around public safety in Florida, unfortunately these statistics don’t surprise me. We are notoriously known for having some of the worst drivers in the country. It’s often a mix of distraction and ignorance. Some drivers are glued to their phones, others misinterpret the laws—especially on multi-lane roads. And sadly, some just lack the patience. But we can’t let that complacency continue. A moment’s distraction can mean a lifetime of pain for a family.
As to what makes Florida unique? The volume of visitors and new residents. We have drivers from across the country and even internationally. Many aren’t familiar with our school bus stop laws, and some are simply in a rush and not paying attention. It’s a deadly combination, and its why proactive measures are so important.
What action can communities take to tackle this issue?
Donny Wolfe: The first step is awareness. Education campaigns in schools, community centers, and even DMVs can help. But enforcement is key. That’s where stop-arm camera programs come in—they provide real consequences for illegal passes. Communities must treat school bus safety with the same urgency they give to other public health crises.
What motivated legislators to pass the stop-arm camera bill in 2023?
Donny Wolfe: The data…existing data and the data produced by the pilot programs across the state. The sheer volume of illegal passings combined with fatal incidents left lawmakers no choice. And the bill sponsors and other public advocates played a significant role in elevating the conversation. It was a bipartisan issue — because no matter your politics, we all want our kids to get home safely.
Why did Miami and Hillsborough choose BusPatrol?
Donny Wolfe: These districts were looking for a turnkey solution—something that didn’t strain district resources, had proven success in other states, and included a strong educational component. BusPatrol was the only partner who offered that. Our violator-funded model funds itself through citation revenue, so that the drivers who illegally pass school buses, and not the school district nor law abiding citizens, fund the program. We also provide comprehensive data, community outreach, and best-in-class technology.
How did the public respond to the introduction of stop-arm cameras?
Donny Wolfe: You know, initially people were just relieved. Parents especially — they’ve been worried for years about dangerous driving around school buses, and when they saw those videos of near misses right here in Miami, it really hit home. There was this overwhelming feeling of, ‘Finally, someone is actually doing something about this.’ Honestly, it became clear right away that this wasn’t about giving out tickets — it was about protecting kids. And the community recognized that quickly and got behind it.
What has been the impact so far?
Donny Wolfe: Even though it’s still early in the program, we’re already seeing signs that it’s making a real difference. Our partners have been sharing consistent, positive feedback about noticeable shifts in driver behavior — especially in areas that previously saw frequent violations. Drivers are starting to think twice. Instead of speeding up to beat the bus, more motorists are slowing down and preparing to stop when they see the yellow lights. It’s clear that the presence of cameras is changing habits. People are becoming more aware, more cautious, and more accountable. That kind of shift speaks volumes about the program’s early impact.
What feedback have you heard from school and law enforcement officials who are using the program?
Donny Wolfe: It’s been overwhelmingly positive. School officials appreciate the added layer of safety without ever having to spend a penny of its budget, And law enforcement? They’ve been clear with us — they appreciate having solid, timestamped evidence of violations for their review and discretion. Realistically, deputies can’t be at every bus stop and on every route, so this lets them enforce the law consistently without pulling critical resources away from other pressing priorities. It’s really a win-win for everyone involved.
Beyond enforcement, how is the program educating drivers?
Donny Wolfe: Every citation includes a detailed breakdown of the law and video evidence. But beyond that, we partner with schools to create age-appropriate student-led safety campaigns, and collaborate with the Sheriff’s team as well as other, local elected officials to provide continuous education to their constituents. Before the Sheriff’s departments went live with ticketing, we made every effort to alert every member of the community during the 30-day warning period and PSA campaign.
How do you respond to critics who say the program is about generating revenue?
Donny Wolfe: That’s a fair concern given their experience with the bad actors that ran the red light camera programs, but to compare our program to those truly misunderstands the BusPatrol model. Our mission is to make the journey to and from school safer for every student — and our goal is to reduce violations to zero. Our program data across the country shows that 90% of drivers who receive a violation never receive another. The program is self-sustaining, not profit-driven. Every dollar from the civil penalty goes towards running the program, improving infrastructure, or educating the public.
Looking forward, what change do you hope to see in the next five years?
Donny Wolfe: I hope to see this technology in every Florida school district, and I believe we’re headed that way. In five years, I want to look back and see that we helped save lives, changed behaviors, and made school transportation safer for the next generation.
What advice would you give to parents and school officials who are concerned about student safety and want to take action?
Donny Wolfe: Speak up! Reach out to your school boards, your city commissioners, your state legislators. Share your concerns, and don’t stop until there’s action. Programs like BusPatrol work best when they have strong community support — and that starts with engaged parents and educators.
Want to bring a stop-arm safety program to your district? Learn how BusPatrol partners with communities across Florida to reduce illegal passings and protect students. Contact us to get started.
